Lymphedema Management or Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) is a therapy technique used to reduce the swelling, or lymphedema that presents. The lymphedema can lead to pain, loss in movement and interfere with day-to-day activities such as dressing, or walking as well as negatively impact on a person’s self-image due to enlargement of a body part. Vivian Dim has received certification for lymphatic drainage through the Chikly institiute and able to treat primary and secondary lymphedema.
Breast Surgery:
LDT is used to address the arm or upper body swelling that may present after breast surgery that includes re-construction as well as mastectomies secondary to cancer. The technique also has a positive effect on scar tissue reducing its colour, texture, and pliability which in turn aids in return of arm/shoulder motion. A person may be prone to arm and hand edema following breast surgery as in the case of lumpectomy and nodal resectioning. Damage to the lymphatic system may present with secondary edema shortly after the trauma or years after the event and may be set off by a minor event such as having blood pressure tested on the affected side.
Body Trauma:
Lymphedema may arise secondary to trauma such as a hand crush injuries, or from surgeries as in the case of a total knee replacement. LDT helps alleviate the presence of edema and the associated pain, but also has a positive effect on scar tissue which further aids in return to occupational activities.
Complex Edema:
Complex edema refers to edema that presents in a person’s flaccid arm/hand after he/she have had a stroke. Although the lymphatic system is not directly impaired from the stroke the lack of regular movement in the affected limb sets it prone to the development of edema that further hinders rehabilitation of the affected side. LDT and Manual Edema Therapy offers treatment that can help resolve the edema and aid in a person’s post stroke rehabilitation.
Treatment Information:
You can self-refer to Arm More Therapy as well as be referred from a health practioner such as a family doctor, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist or massage therapist. In all cases a clear diagnosis for the cause of the edema should be available. Clients with a medical history of cardiac issues, kidney disease , thrombosis or cancer should call to determine if he/her situation is appropriate to receive LDT.
Initial assessment: The duration of the initial assessment is dependent of the lymphedema that presents and may require an initial 30 minute consultation appointment. The typical time required for an appointment is determine on an individual basis by typically can take 60 minutes to 90 minutes. Treatment includes hands on therapy, measurements and home program teaching which includes exercises and the use of compression garments and or bandaging. Treatment sessions are based on client’s need(s), and ability. Family members or other caregivers are encouraged to attend to support the home program.Comfortable non restricting clothes should be worn for the initial assessment and subsequent treatment sessions.
Some extended health benefit plans may cover treatment as well as WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board).
Clients are encouraged to discuss this with his/her insurance provider.
Supportive documentation will be provided as appropriate.
Types of Swelling:
Acute edema is a normal body response to injury that leaves after 2 days to 2 weeks. It responds to traditional treatment of rest, elevation, and icing after trauma (injury or surgery). However, sub-acute edema is persistent and can develop into spongy, thick and slow to rebound skin from being indented. If the edema continues for longer than 3 months it is considered chronic Edema. Chronic edema is characterized by pitting when indented and can become hard with skin changes accompanying. Sub-acute edema and chronic edema also referred as lymphedema are indications of an overwhelmed or injured lymphatic system.
To contact us for an assessment or an appointment
please give us a call at 289-897-8707
